Mike Makowsky is an Emmy Award-winning American screenwriter and producer best known for writing and producing the 2019 HBO film BAD EDUCATION, starring Hugh Jackman and Allison Janney. 

In late 2025, Makowsky released the Netflix limited series DEATH BY LIGHTNING, which he created and wrote. The series chronicles the rise and assassination of U.S. President James A. Garfield, starring Michael Shannon and Matthew Macfadyen. The project was adapted from Candice Millard’s book Destiny of the Republic. We also spoke with actor Michael Shannon, who plays Garfield, in Episode 680 of the podcast. 

In this interview, we talk about the inspiration for the series DEATH BY LIGHTNING, the immense difficulty of mounting and finishing a period piece in the current industry landscape, advice on pitching historical fiction, and much more.

Want more? Steal my first book, INK BY THE BARREL - SECRETS FROM PROLIFIC WRITERS, right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend as we’re giving away 100,000 copies this year. It’s based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. Enjoy!

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Ep686 - Mike Makowsky, Creator ‘Death by Lightning’

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